Choose Your Health with Anna Sheinman

Yoga Philosophy 101: Why Study Yoga Sutras?

I recall taking one of my first yoga classes in the gym. Our yoga instructor guided us through a serious of physical poses (asana), breathing instructions (pranayama) and meditation. It was love at the first sight. As I embarked on my journey as a yoga student, I delved deeper into the study and practice of the yogic texts. In fact, the yoga sutras transformed my life.

Yoga Philosophy 101: Why Study Yoga Sutras:

In this blog, I would like to share a lecture from one of my favorite yoga teachers A.G. Mohan. He explains what yoga practice is. Mohan also tells us why it is important to study yoga sutras.

He starts the lecture with the following quote:

Life will be a blessing if we concisely let go. This is one the key practices in yoga sutra of Patañjali.

Mohan gives us an overview of the text as follows:

Yoga sutras is extremely rational and logical. It is not based on the blind believe. We need reasoned convictions to stay on path. Unlike the blind believe that can sway us away like a feather with a wind. We can attain the mental clarity by rational knowledge and practice.

In addition, yoga sutras offer a complete guide to obtain the state of yoga incorporating physical practice, breathing and meditation. Together these practice are called yoga.

Through Yoga Sutras we get to know Ourselves

There is nothing else in the world to give us a greater peace than health, knowledge and understanding of ourselves. Therefore know yourself. And the means is yoga.

The Supreme Self in a state of peace within us is realized through the practice of yoga.

Why This Realization is Needed?

Yoga is like walking up a mountain on a single track in twilight. Proper knowledge of the yoga sutras illuminates the way. While proper practice provides the energy to move on.

How can I be Happy?

Happiness should not depend on external. Mind plays a very important role in happiness. The fluctuating mind is not a happy mind.

Heavenly Tree

Mohan tells us a story about the heavenly tree. Anyone who sits under this tree gets all their wishes granted. While a guy sits under this tree, he wishes to have a bag of gold coins. As he gets his wish granted, ecstasy and pleasure fill his mind for about five minutes. At about sixth minute, fear crepes in. As our friend realizes that he is all alone in the forest and thieves may come to take his treasure. Granted, thieves materialize and take his new-found fortune. As result, our five-minute millionaire becomes one depressed and angry dude. In the same way, our minds fluctuates without our knowledge as we continuously live our lives on autopilot with all these uncontrollable emotions.

Yoga Sutras – Unique Prospective on Happiness

On the other hand, yoga sutra offers a unique prospective on happiness. It guides us to attain a clear mind regardless of life’s circumstances. The text answers the most fundamental questions. These questions were answered by ancient yogis who by the means of deep meditation transcended the mind and contemplated the meaning. They understood the nature of the mind.

Once we are able to cultivate clear mind and ability to focus, we will be able to:

To be clear of the connections and relationships we seek.

Maintain a clear positive frame of mind as we go through various life experiences.

Even if we falter in our progress we will be conscious of it. We will not go astray.

At the end of the lecture, A.G. Mohan shares his teacher’s (Krishnamacharya) thoughts on the most important things in life:

Health, longevity and peace of mind. We can gain good health with the proper asana practice. While appropriate pranayama practice gives us longevity. And the right meditation, can give us the peace of mind.